In this week’s Orlando dining news round-up: new brunch offerings, new openings, and two closings. Are you hungry? Let’s dive in…

DoveCote debuts a new Sunday brunch on November 6. The brasserie-style brunch menu features a variety of French-inspired dishes by Chef Clay, including his signature Croque Madame , Chicken & Sausage Casserole, Pearl Sugar Waffle and, of course, a classic French Fine Herb Omelet. Costs are a la carte.

Bar Manager Josh Hiller has created a brunch beverage program that includes daytime cocktails like the DC Grog (made with hibiscus milk-washed rum, spiced maple and citrus), Mimosas by the magnum or by the flute and housemade Bloody Mary’s available in 32-ounce jugs. Non-alcoholic options are also available.

DoveCote is located in downtown Orlando, and serves Sunday brunch from 11am to 3pm.

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Urbain 40 American Brasserie and Lounge in Dr Phillips is also kicking off a Sunday brunch, starting November 6. The cost is $49.95 and includes choice of entree, a buffet, and champagne.

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As if you needed another reason to vote on November 8, Restaurant ASH is offering a grilled burger and side salad for only $1 all day. So vote, then eat (one offer per person).

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Starbucks’Share Event is back. Get a free holiday beverage to share with a friend when you buy one for yourself (or you can enjoy both yourself – no judgment here). Valid November 10 – 14, from 2-5pm. Free drink must be of equal or lesser value.

Bartaco is now open in Dr. Phillips. The menu is based in Mexican cuisine, with influences of Central American street food. I’m told they also have an impressive tequila list. It’s the second Florida location for this brand, and it’s located in the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips.

The bread breaking ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m. and doors open at 9:00 a.m. In celebration of opening, the store will offer sales, tastings, giveaways and more to shoppers throughout the day. For the first five days of operation, Whole Foods Market Winter Park will also donate 1% of its net sales to a local non-profit organization.

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Orlando Brewing is releasing this year’s batch of Chocolate Mint Girl Stout on Saturday, November 12. It is brewed with organic cacao nibs and peppermint sourced from Good Life to Go, a local Central Florida business. I’m told the flavor is equivalent to liquid Thin Mints.

Tapping is at 1pm, and there will be a Happy Hour for ladies, marshmallow roast after dark & live music at 9pm.

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Chamberlin’s is holding the grand opening of their new Orlando flagship store on Saturday, November 12 from 11am to 4pm. There will be free product samples, giveaways, and more. There is also a $10 of $30 coupon on the brand’s website. The store is located at Herndon Village Shoppes at 4924 East Colonial Dr.

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Paramount Fine Foods USA is hosting a free Mediterranean Festival at I-Drive 360 in Orlando on Sunday, November 13. There will be entertainment including Greek dancers and Lebanese Dabke dancers, plus plenty of food to try from Lebanon, Greece, Turkey, Italy and France

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Gardell Bros. Pizza has closed in Hunter’s Creek. The brick-oven pizzeria lasted just a year at the Village at Hunter’s Creek plaza, despite frequent appearances from its co-owner star, Billy Gardell (of “Mike and Molly”). While the food was good, the service tended to be uneven – sometimes great, sometimes not. You can read my review of Gardell Bros. if you want to know what you missed.

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Dick’s Last Resort abruptly closed its Orlando location last week – so abruptly that most of the staff didn’t even know until they showed up for work. The brand, known for its rude service and bar food menu, actually closed several locations, including the one at Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland, near Disney. I never visited the Orlando location, but I did visit the Vegas one several years ago, and I wasn’t impressed at all.

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That’s it for this week. If you have any Central Florida dining news to share, drop it in comments or send it to us via our contact form. We’ll credit you if we use it.

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, and has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida. She lives in Orlando near Disney, and hears Magic Kingdom fireworks every night.

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About CitySurfing Orlando

CitySurfing Orlando is both for the locals and the visitors.

Since 2010, we have covered the theme parks and all the other fun stuff to do in Central Florida, but we also cover events, dining, shopping, nightlife and news of interest to those who live in the Orlando area.

I hope you enjoy CitySurfing Orlando and that it gets you out, about and exploring all the things that make this city so much fun to play and stay in.